But here’s something to coax him back: neckties are no longer mandatory for male MPs! Shock horror! It is the top of a slippery slope towards the Danish model: members turning up in T-shirts and shorts.

As for explanations… My absence had nothing to do with beaches, holidays, Asia or anything of the sort. This summer I have taken on five courses in order to help fund my move to Dorset. I haven’t had much desire to read or write any more than is necessary for work. That, and I concluded that I had probably annoyed a few of my fellow Charioteers and that it wouldn’t hurt to let the dust settle a bit.

Well and truly, Janus. After I get through a few more discussion posts and edit another lecture I’ll what I can come up with. At the moment I’m reading Barry Humphries’ “My Life as Me” and that’s giving me some inspiration.